Launching store.thios.co: Open Hardware Meets Open Commerce
Today, I'm excited to announce that store.thios.co is officially live. This isn't just another online store—it's a fundamental piece of the Thios ecosystem, and it represents something bigger: open commerce for open hardware.
Why a Store?
When we started Thios, the vision was clear: create open-source hardware that anyone could build, modify, and improve. But there's a gap between "anyone can build this" and "anyone will build this."
Not everyone has:
- Access to a 3D printer
- Time to source components
- Expertise to assemble complex systems
- Desire to troubleshoot manufacturing issues
The store bridges that gap.
What We're Selling
Right now, you'll find two main categories:
1. Digital Products
- Whole Thiosphere™ Handbook - Our comprehensive guide to building controlled environment systems
- Multiple tiers: Standard ($10), Lifetime Updates ($25), and Founder's Edition ($100)
- Instant access, DRM-free, yours forever
2. Physical Swag
- Custom-designed merchandise via Printify
- T-shirts, hoodies, stickers featuring Thios branding
- Print-on-demand means no inventory waste
- Every purchase supports the project
The Tech Stack
Building this store has been an adventure in itself. Here's what's under the hood:
- Next.js 16 with Turbopack for blazing-fast builds
- Stripe for secure payment processing
- Printify API for automated fulfillment
- Shared cart across www.thios.co, blog.thios.co, and store.thios.co
- DreamHost VPS deployment with custom Node.js server
The entire codebase follows our open philosophy—it's built with transparency and could be forked for other open hardware projects.
Cart-Based Checkout
One feature I'm particularly proud of: unified cart functionality. You can:
- Browse handbooks on www.thios.co
- Add swag from store.thios.co
- Read about it on blog.thios.co
- Check out once with everything together
The cart syncs via localStorage across all subdomains. It's a small detail that makes a huge difference in user experience.
Why This Matters for Open Hardware
Most open-source hardware projects struggle with sustainability. You can't pay contributors with GitHub stars. The store creates a revenue stream that:
- Funds development - More time on R&D, less on side gigs
- Supports documentation - Better handbooks, videos, tutorials
- Enables community - Hosting costs, tools, infrastructure
- Validates demand - Real purchases show what people actually want
The Handbook Strategy
The Whole Thiosphere™ Handbook deserves special mention. At $10 for the standard version, it's priced to be accessible. But here's the thing: it's also completely open-source.
Wait, what?
Yes, the handbook content will eventually be available freely. But the curated, formatted, continuously-updated PDF version? That's what you're buying. Plus:
- Lifetime updates tier gets every future version
- Founder's Edition includes early access to new products
- Support the mission - Every purchase funds more open hardware
What's Next
This is version 1.0. Here's what's coming:
Short Term
- More handbook tiers and bundles
- Additional swag designs
- Gift cards and discount codes
- Affiliate program for community members
Medium Term
- Hardware kits - Pre-sourced components for Thiosphere builds
- Calibration tools - Custom instruments for system tuning
- Subscription boxes - Monthly supplies for growers
Long Term
- Full systems - Assembled Saunosphere™, Immosphere™, Agrosphere™ units
- Custom builds - Tailored solutions for specific use cases
- B2B offerings - Licensing and consulting services
Building in Public
I'm documenting this entire journey. The store launch, the technical challenges, the business decisions—it's all going on this blog. Why?
Because transparency builds trust, and trust is the currency of open source.
If you're building an open hardware project and wondering about monetization, I hope this serves as a case study. The code, the strategies, the lessons learned—they're all here.
Try It Out
Head over to store.thios.co and take a look around. Grab a handbook, pick up some swag, or just browse and see what we're building.
And if you have feedback—and I know you will—drop a comment below or reach out directly. This store is as much yours as it is mine.
Here's to building in the open. 🚀
P.S. - The store is live, but it's not "done." It's a living system that will evolve based on what the community needs. What would you like to see in the store? Let me know in the comments.